Pic #3 – Purpleheart and Mesquite. The purpleheart color is wonderful though the grain is a bit boring. Mesquite, I love to work with and enjoy putting the finish on.

Pic #4 – Cocobolo. I got this last week and am enamored with the richness of this rosewood. My newest favorite.

Pic #5 – Walnut and Zebrawood. The customer suggested the combo and I was a bit apprehensive, but it work out pretty well. This is one of my SweetHeart Keychains. The names are on both sides of the keychain.

Pic #6 – Cumaru (Brazilian teak). This wood was in a “Keychain for Cut-offs” swap I did last November. Nice wood to work and finishes well. HARD

These are all cut freehand on a bandsaw. No computer “bytes” are harmed in the production of my keychains.

8 comments so far

Wow! Of course, the woods are beautiful, but you’ve got to say some more about your cutting method… you said “all cut freehand on a bandsaw” ... I think I get it, but can you elaborate some? I really like it… I can’t say that I’ve seen that technique before.

Hi Spence, I have been trying to get my photographer cousin over to do a video on my production methods and post to YouTube, but our schedules have not been cooperative. Basically, I start with a 5/8×5/8” billet of wood, tick off the letter spaces with the 1/8” bandsaw blade, drill the holes for the “insides” of closed letters then go to town and carve with the bandsaw.

Guaranteed not to break for life. Mine, or until they take away my sharp implements.